CAPS TODAY: Despite taking the second-highest percentage of face-off starts in his defensive zone in his career, John Carlson’s 31 points (4g, 27a) in 40 games are only six points shy of his 72-game total last season. https://t.co/Bw6JSPyTIlpic.twitter.com/jfl74QLDWE

The Capitals are 106-74-13-14 all-time against the Hurricanes and 41-28-10-4 when facing them away.

Over the last 20 games, the Capitals are 14-4-2 and are one of just three teams with 14 wins since November 18 (Vegas: 15; Boston: 14) through games played December 31.

During that 20-game stretch, the Capitals have scored 64 goals and allowed 47, which is tied for eighth and ranked sixth respectively in the NHL.

Washington has earned a point in 12 of its last 15 games against the Hurricanes (11-3-1) and has posted a 23-8-3 record against Carolina since 2010-2011.

Alex Ovechkin has earned 80 points (33 goals, 47 assists) in 69 career games against the Hurricanes, marking the third-most points he has earned against an opponent (Winnipeg: 88, Tampa Bay: 84).

Nicklas Backstrom has earned 53 points (14 goals, 39 assists) in 49 career games against the Hurricanes, marking the second-most points he has registered against an NHL franchise (Tampa Bay: 56 points).

In 23 games this season against Eastern Conference opponents, the Capitals are 15-6-2 and their 32 points is tied for the second-most in the NHL.